Back Porch ComposTumbler
$239 $219
Back Porch ComposTumbler
Makes compost in as little as 4 to 6 weeks*
The Back Porch ComposTumbler is the small composter developed for urban composting and backyard use and makes compost in as little as 4-6 weeks*. You don’t need a lot of environment to be environmentally friendly. Mantis has expanded the world of composting to gardeners with smaller yards. The mobile design includes two wheels for easy and lightweight transport. Take finished compost to flower beds and garden areas. Learn everything about the composting process on our How to Make Compost page.
Back Porch ComposTumbler Features
Contains up to 4 bushels of materials
As much high quality compost as you need for small garden spaces and potted plants.
Turning grooves
Rotating your Back Porch ComposTumbler is easy – just take hold of a groove and turn the composting drum.
Aerator/drainage unit on the bottom combined with screened vents on each side
Balances air intake and moisture levels, also eliminating spillage. Aeration vent permits drainage of excess moisture, known as ‘compost tea’.
Insulated high-density polyethylene drum
Keep composting – even when the weather turns cool.
Convenient wheels
Take your composter directly to your garden and flower beds – just tip it back and wheel it wherever you need.
Wheel It To Your Garden
Specs
Drum Capacity
5 cu. ft. Holds up to 4 bushels (37 gallons) for composting; over one 30-gallon trash bag of material
Size
37″ H x 31″ W x 26″ D
Drum Height
7″ off the ground
Drum Materials
Double-wall, high density polyethylene with insulating air cell. BPA-free, food grade plastic end caps.
Frame
Polyester powder-coated black steel tubing, with two wheels
Drainage
Aerator/Drainage unit on the bottom
Air Circulation
Screened vents on each side
Turning
Indented grooves on drum allow grip for turning
Color
Sage Green
Time to Finish Compost
Finished compost in 4 to 6 weeks*
* Compost times depend on ambient temperature and combination of materials being composted.
Guarantee
60 days
Warranty
2 years
Reviews
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 29 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
90%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Attractive (16)
- Durable (10)
- Easy to assemble (10)
- Capacity (8)
- Odor free (7)
Cons
Best Uses
- Fruit rinds (13)
- Kitchen scraps (13)
- Coffee grounds (8)
- Leaves & brush (8)
- Outdoors (8)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Avid gardener (12), Budget shopper (7), Midrange shopper (4), Getting started (3)
- I Am A:
- Family older kids (8)
Most Liked Positive Review
Good for the price - I like it
I've had a compost pile for years, and I never really actually do anything with it because I normally don't have the time, or attention span, to remember to water, turn and mix...Read complete review
I've had a compost pile for years, and I never really actually do anything with it because I normally don't have the time, or attention span, to remember to water, turn and mix properly. So basically its turned into a pile of leaves and kitchen scraps that sits in a heap next to my garden. This small compost tumbler has been helpful. I keep it at the top of my driveway, in front of where the cars are parked. It's easy to get to when I have scraps to add, and I walk by it daily, so I remember to give it a turn or two. So far, so good. The assembled tumbler is good. I haven't had issues with leaking, everything seems to fit right. The door hatch opens easily and the wheels make it easy to push around when I need to move it around for whatever reason. I bought it on sale, and it came with a composting kit (hydrometer and thermometer). I feel like I got a pretty good deal, and am happy with the purchase. The reason for 4 stars instead of 5 is that most of the pre-drilled holes were not sized properly. I'd read some other reviews saying the same thing, but I'm pretty handy, so I didn't think I would have an issue. The holes for the door handle and ALL of the holes on the sides of the tumbler were all too small. After fetching the power drill and properly sizing the holes, it was easy to put together, but make sure you are prepared. You will probably need a drill and several sized bits to get this thing together. I knew what I was getting into, so it wasn't a huge deal for me, for someone who wasn't expecting it, I'm sure it would've been extremely frustrating.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Quality issue with pre-drilled holes
I have only been using the product for a couple of weeks, so I can't comment on its effectiveness as a composter. However, I was quite frustrated by the poor quality of machining...Read complete review
I have only been using the product for a couple of weeks, so I can't comment on its effectiveness as a composter. However, I was quite frustrated by the poor quality of machining on most of the holes that were pre-drilled in the plastic. They were not large enough to accommodate the screws and other parts, and had to be enlarged using a hand drill.
In addition, at least one of the plastic body sections was slightly out-of-true, which made it a little bit tough to get the whole thing put together.
A third comment is that it would be helpful to have a way to secure the door in the open position when adding material. As it is, you have to use one hand to hold the door open and keep the drum from spinning, leaving just one hand to add material. I fashioned a work-around with a bungee cord.
Overall, it seems fine, looks nice, and is a nice size....it just needs a little more attention to detail in the quality-control department (and Mantis should alert customers that two people and a power drill are needed for assembly).
Reviewed by 29 customers
Displaying reviews 1-5
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Pros
- Attractive
- Composts Quickly
- Odor Free
Cons
Best Uses
- Coffee Grounds
- Fruit Rinds
- Great fertile mulch
- Kitchen Scraps
Comments about Mantis Back Porch ComposTumbler:
This second tumbler is attractive and works well. Even my young grandson can spin it. The wheels are worth the extra money. Putting it together was not a one person job, but the effort we worth the end product.
My first tumbler is still going strong after nine years of continuous use!
Service and delivery comments:
Appreciated prompt service--especially the call when someone noticed I was having the tumbler sent to an address different than my home.
Pros
- Attractive
- Capacity
- Easy Assembly
Cons
Best Uses
- Fruit Rinds
- Kitchen Scraps
- Leaves & Brush
Comments about Mantis Back Porch ComposTumbler:
Just what the Dr. ordered!
Pros
- Capacity
- Easy Assembly
- Odor Free
Cons
Best Uses
- Ecological Waste Disposal
- Fruit Rinds
- Kitchen Scraps
Comments about Mantis Back Porch ComposTumbler:
I used to mound and turn a pile of grass clippings and kitchen scraps at the fence line in my yard. I now use the back porch ComposTumbler. This is much more convenient, and turning the drum is much easier than shoveling. After only a couple weeks, I can tell the contents are heating up already, so it is faster too. I look forward to boosting the soil in the flower beds in the back yard with the compost.
Pros
- Capacity
Cons
- All pilot holes were too small
Best Uses
- Coffee Grounds
- Fertilizer Production
- Fruit Rinds
- Kitchen Scraps
Comments about Mantis Back Porch ComposTumbler:
The assembly instructions are well laid out. The only problem I had was that all molded or predrilled pilot holes were too small. I had to increase the diameter of the holes. This increased assembly time took over an hour when it should have taken less than half that time.
Service and delivery comments:
Delivery was prompt and accurate.
Pros
- Attractive
- Easy Assembly
Cons
Best Uses
- Coffee Grounds
- Ecological Waste Disposal
- Fertilizer Production
- Fruit Rinds
- Kitchen Scraps
- Leaves & Brush
Comments about Mantis Back Porch ComposTumbler:
This is my first, real composter -- used a barrel before with not very good results. Looking forward to using this back porch composter!
Service and delivery comments:
Excellent delivery and in perfect condition
Displaying reviews 1-5
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Merchant response: So glad to hear you've added a second Mantis ComposTumbler to your garden. Nice that your grandson is getting to help with making the compost. Great teaching moment.